Gucci Mane, I’m Up

Fresh off his Trap Back release in February, Gucci Mane continues his grind, as he serves up his latest trap-friendly offering, I’m Up. Boasting a bulky tracklist (it spans 21 songs) and even bulkier guest list (Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Big Sean and more), the DJ Holiday/DJ J1/Trap-A-Holics-hosted tape finds Gucci flexing his patented fan-favorite tricks, but this time without all the winning pizzazz.

“What would this game be without me,” questions—but also brags—the face-tatted trap star on the dour opener “Without Me.” Zaytoven’s murky backdrop gives Gooch the platform to press about smoking like Cheech & Chong, selling dope like Nicky Barnes and living like the trap’s King Kong (“Stupid money, crazy jewelry, fast life, beautiful women,” he continues). On the 2 Chainz-assisted title track, Gucci gets “hands on like an iPad” over Drumma Boy’s rattling production and cooks up dope in two bowls at the same time with Rick Ross on “Trap Boomin.” Delivering his signature lethargic rhyming pattern on each record, the Bricksquad general holds his own atop Polow Da Don’s Middle Eastern sounding string plucks on “Cyeah” featuring part-time rapper Chris Brown and Lil Wayne, as well as on “Plain Jane,” and the hard-hitting “Anytime You Ready” with Birdman.

Despite the notable joints, I’m Up is flooded with featured guests, whom often outshine the rapper (“Don’t Make No Sense” next to Fabolous and 8Ball; “Scarface” alongside Scarface). Though they don’t necessarily hurt the project— adding a mélange of different styles and various temperaments—the supporting cast makes the tape seem more like a compilation project than a solo. Filled with cliché concepts about Gucci’s affinity for flipping birds and having them thangs for the low—can’t forget racking in stupid money—I’m Up doesn’t offer anything new or refreshing to the table—though that’s probably not what his fans are looking for. Instead, Gucci and the tape stick to what’s been working, delivering brazen bars spoken by a trap star with flair, backed by rambunctious production. Burrr… —Ralph Bristout (@XXLRalph)

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Noreaga

Couple bangers on there definitely but damn this foo needs to get a little more creative. I feel like ive heard most the tracks on there when I obviously didnt. He aint as lyrical as before but hes still my top choice for bumpin in the whip. Favorite tracks – Im up, Scarface, Gymnast, Drink Mud, Without Me

high st.

This idiot isn’t lyrical. Period. SMH

http://Twitter.com/Trillsmoker Trill

Mayne If You Understood What He Was Talking About On This Mixtape You Would Say It Went Harder Than Alot Of Thing’s He Did Not To Mention T.i. Letting It Be Known To Alley Boy The Don That Even If You Diss “T.i.” ATL Will 4Ever Respect The Legend’s That Came Out The Game On “Plain Jane” All His Song’s Were Not All Good But They Weren’t All Bad That’s Gucci At His Finest The OG Deserve’s Some Credit – Trill

todd

i really disagree with this review. It seems like you came in with a closed mind. I kinda did too but he really surprised me. this are all bangers. Yea he talks a lot of flipping birds and that stuff, but first of all, which rappers don’t? at least he’s telling the truth when he says it. And thats not all he talks about, he has a lot of really clever lines, and even some deep shit. this is what southern rap is, if you want it sugar coated and full of shit then you probably won’t like him. I’m not some dumb rap listener or anything, this is just a really good mixtape. based on xxls freshman lists, you guys aren’t a viable source. Stop thinking about what you think the people want, and use your own opinions. This is clearly a mixtape that deserves at least a positive review for all the progress. come on

Skeeeeert

Well said.

OneStar

so Gucci gets an L for lyrics…and you put and L for lyrics with Lacrae??? wwwwwooooowwww…XXL, ya’ll need to fix that.

TONY BANKZ BANKED UP

GUCCI NEW MIXTAPE SLAPPIN HARD…I FUCKZ WIT GUCCI…BURR…ALWAYS GOT THEM SLAPPERZ…BANG THAT I’M UP AND THAT BROUGHT THEM BACKS OUT…

Paco

this was a good mixtape especially if ur a Gucci fan like me. you already know what he brings to the table ppl, dont act like u were expecting some new revelations from him

Rellpo

Kansas probably the best song on the mixtape and yall aint even mention it!!!!!!! smh

Will

Niggas that fuck with Gucci will love this mixtape

Blue_Homicide

Super cocky, I’m Up, Anytime you ready and Kansas. Fuck his whole mixtape is great. If you don’t understand his street language, then I guess this music is not for you! I been a gucci fan since he was independent. Obivously he is doing something good to still be in the game. Thumbs up for this mixtape!

Cedarius Craig

they straight underrated the fuck out those beats. there not even all trap beats like you would expect. i know drumma boy n lex dont neva disappoint.